Kicking strap in dressage/presentation?

[War Admiral]

Idle question. Can you use a kicking strap in dressage/presentation & would you lose points for it in Turnout? No hidden agenda, just curious! :)

[SLW]

I used them on both of mine last weekend at a CDE/CT. The only comment was shorten it on one. Hopefully something used in the name of safety would not be frowned upon.

[Ginger]

Always use one, never received a comment.

[goodhors]

You would probably get gigged for it in Pleasure showing at the higher levels. If all things were equal, the kicking strap is not traditional equipment. There has been lots of discussion about it, and a lot of folks use the strap in all circumstances. Judges are rethinking their views, do view it as a safety item. Still, other judges, traditionally trained ones, think a well trained driving horse should not need it. When there is a question of horse NEEDING strap in the Pleasure ring, they tend to view horse as also needing more training before being presented. Horse should be reliable for the driver.

Smaller shows, CDE, you may find a Judge who will watch you harder with the strap on. May or may not count you down in the Pleasure classes for having it. Make sure strap is clean and shiny if you go out to show using it.

We have used the strap on a couple young horses, really never came into play. They were calm and quiet, but we have usually got pretty nice youngsters. Try to have any kick taken out by the time they are ready for the cart.

The horse who took shots at the carriage was in a Pair, strap is unusable in Multiples. She was being pushed harder at that moment of learning, She got punished immediately, didn't do it again. Just having a horse moment, was exasperated with us, she told us so. When she didn't win there, had to keep working, she gave kicking up. Fast learner!! Afterward was always an extremely reliable horse, didn't ever kick in any other situations.

I feel that if you THINK you may need a kicking strap, put it on. Any chance of horse having a stupid moment, put that strap on, prevent the problem. Old horse, training horse, horse who is crabby today, may want to argue or get scared, use the strap. Should be fairly snug to prevent any lift of the rump beyond normal movement of gaits. Well anchored to prevent sliding on the shafts during work. Perhaps add a pair of extra footman loops so it stays properly positioned.

Plenty of experienced folks who have seen and handled lots of horses use the kicking strap, daily. One of those "Don't leave home without it" things. So, better safe than sorry. If having the strap makes you more comfortable driving your horse or pony, put it on. You being more comfortable, will make your horse more happy and comfortable with your steady hands on the reins. Prevents bad situations from happening.

[Thomas_1]

Just to add an international perspective.....

NEVER over here.

[ZELLA]

I volunteered at a pleasure-driving show last weekend and witnessed a debate on this subject between officials that have been judges and TD's at many venues. It fascinated me how their perspectives differed. The most conservative opinion was that it would be acceptable in the cones ring (if you MUST) but would be dinged rather severely in the turnout score in the ring classes. Another official strongly felt that a piece of safety equipment such as this should never be penalized.

There was a slight undercurrent of opinion from both that if your horse was at risk of bucking, then it might not be ready for showing. The very presence of the strap would incline officials to look at your horse more carefully for signs of disobedience.

I doubt it would be a negative factor for a CDE presentation score, so long as the horse didn't actually buck.

[kookicat]

What is a kicking strap and how is it fitted?

[Renae]

A kicking strap is an extra strap that goes around the shaft, over the hip, and to the other shaft. When a horse kciks or bucks with one on it will cause the whole cart to lurch up with the horse rather than the horse being able to kick or buck over the dash. I have never used one and none of the trainers I ever worked for when I was an assitant trainer (5 different people) used or recommended them, even when starting green colts. here someone has an article and photos on their site http://www.axwoodfarm.com/Library.php?inc=14

[kookicat]

Thank you. I understand now.

[pricestory]

I always use one with the marathon vehicle and have never been questioned. I can't find the one for the gig and didn't use it this past weekend for the pleasure show but would have if I could have found it.

[SLW]

Zella- how interesting! I had no idea there was division about it's use.

When I first began driving my mini's I was not using one. It was not until I had a weekend of lessons from Robin Groves, north east coast driving guru, that I began using one upon her recommendation for safety reasons. My mini's have never offered to buck, bolt or spin when in harness but she said "use it." The judge who mentioned I should snug up one of them this past weekend has many national wins and her personal horse was competing at Gladstone that weekend. Nothing was said like "and why do you even have this on?"

[Gestalt]

This reminds me of a conversation with my coach many years ago when riding hunters. I did not want to use a martingale (sp?) but she insisted all students use one "for safety". :confused:

[War Admiral]

Thanks, y'all. ISTR the same debate raging amongst judges and TDs at an event I volunteered at quite a few years ago but since I'm no longer an active competitor I wasn't sure if conventional wisdom had changed or not!

[Thomas_1]

I have never used one and none of the trainers I ever worked for when I was an assitant trainer (5 different people) used or recommended them, even when starting green colts.
Ditto..... I've never used one and never will do.